Mar 1, 2017 | by Kathy Hudson

Four Simple Steps To Help Manage Your Time

Time is precious, especially when it comes to running a business. We all know that there are 24 hours in a day, 60 minutes in an hour, and 60 seconds in a minute. What no one told us was that although the seconds tick away at the same pace every minute of every day, too often we look back at the end of the day and wonder where those 24 hours went. Here are a few tips for making the most of your time.

Have Clearly Defined Goals

Know your “big picture” goals. Once the broader goals are established, break them down into smaller, more manageable goals. Turn your goal for the year into a goal for the month, your goal for the month into a goal for the week, and your goal for the week into a goal for the day. Big goals are always achieved through a series of little goals.

Make a Plan and Stick to It

Come up with a step-by-step strategy for accomplishing your goals. Type it up. Write it down. Scribble it on sticky notes. Keep track of your plan in whatever way works best for you, but once you have a plan in place, set a realistic deadline for completion and stick with it.

Identify Distractions

Don’t just identify them. Get rid of them. And for the ones you can’t get rid of completely, set limits on them.

Be Flexible

Successful time management involves some trial and error. What works for one business may not work for another. In the same way, what works for one co-worker may not work for another. The ultimate goal is for everyone to be the most productive in the least stressful environment.

Time is a business's greatest asset. Time is the one thing you can't get back no matter what steps you take or changes you make. But with a detailed plan and the diligence to see it through, you can make the most of every day.